BINTULU: 20 personnel consisting environmental officers, forest management unit (FMU) coordinator, surveyors and safety officers from eight (8) Sarawak Timber Association (STA) member companies that had volunteered to undertake the Pilot Projects for Environmental Compliance Audit participated in the “Training on Environmental Quality Monitoring” from January 30 to February 1, 2018 at Kemena Hotel, Bintulu.
The Pilot Projects, initiated by Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) to determine the feasibility of the Natural Resources and Environment (Audit) Rules, 2008 was launched on November 9, 2017.
The Training on Environmental Quality Monitoring was initiated by STA and NREB and developed alongside Chemsain HRD Sdn Bhd with emphasis on collecting water samples to ensure compliance to the audit requirement as environmental quality monitoring (EQM) is a component of Internal Environmental Compliance Audit.
The 3-day Training, conducted by Prof. Dr. Lau Seng, an experienced trainer in the field of water sampling and analyses includes protocols on water sampling and handling of equipment for in-situ and ex-situ analysis as well as hands on and guided experience on water sampling had contributed to meeting the objective of the Training which is to train personnel in environmental monitoring and sampling method.
With the inception of this structured Training course, STA and NREB looks forward to providing more Training in the future not only to build capacity but also enhance environmental stewardship and inculcate self regulation in environmental management and protection in the State within the forestry and timber industry.
